BBC Bridge Companion

The BBC Bridge Companion is an 8-bit video game console designed for teaching bridge, produced by BBC Enterprises Ltd. It was released in 1985 in the United Kingdom, retailing for £199.99 (equivalent to £765 in 2023).^[1]

BBC Bridge Companion

BBC Bridge Companion with a Bridge Builder cartridge inserted
Developer	BBC Enterprises Ltd, Unicard Ltd
Manufacturer	Heber
Type	Home video game console
Generation	Third generation
Release date	1985; 40 years ago (1985)
Introductory price	£199.99 (equivalent to £765.36 in 2023)
Media	ROM cartridge
CPU	Zilog Z80A @ 3.579 MHz
Memory	2kB SRAM, 16kB VRAM, 16kB ROM
Display	280×216, 8 colours
Graphics	Texas Instruments TMS9129NL
Input	Keypad
Power	240V AC

History

System PCB

Maths teacher Andrew Kambites wanted to generate income from bridge due to his love for the game. He would combine this with his programming background to develop the BBC Bridge Companion.^[2]

List of cartridges

The software library consists entirely of interactive tutorials on different aspects of bridge.

• Advanced Bidding
• Advanced Defence
• Bridge Builder
• Club Play 1
• Club Play 2
• Club Play 3
• Conventions 1
• Duplicate 1
• Master Play 1^[3]